News Release Archive

Public Meeting For Draft Environmental Impact Statement For Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency's Revised Basin Management Plan Project

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, jmccracken@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: October 17, 2003

Reclamation will hold a public meeting on October 29, 2003, not a public hearing as previously printed in the Federal Register, for the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency (PVWMA) Revised Basin Management Plan Project. This meeting will be an open forum and the public is invited.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, Reclamation has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the project. The project's purpose is to address groundwater overdraft and seawater intrusion problems in the Pajaro Valley Basin. The proposed action is the approval of the connection of a PVWMA pipeline to the Santa Clara Conduit; the funding for the design, planning, and construction of a recycled water facility; and the delivery to and use of Central Valley Project water in the Pajaro Valley. The DEIS describes and presents the environmental effects of three alternatives, including no action.

A public meeting will be held to receive comments from interested parties, organizations, and individuals on the environmental impacts of the proposal. At the meeting, PVWMA staff will make a brief presentation to describe the proposed project, its purpose and need, alternatives, and scenarios for construction and operation. The public may comment on environmental issues addressed in the DEIS. Written comments will also be accepted.

The meeting will be held:

In Watsonville Wednesday, October 29, 2003 - 7 p.m. Watsonville Senior Center 114 East 5th Street, Watsonville, CA 95076

Submit written comments on the DEIS by November 21, 2003 to Lynne Silva of Reclamation's South-Central California Area Office, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721-1813. Copies of the DEIS may be requested from Ms. Silva or from the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency, 36 Brennan Street, Watsonville, CA 95076.

For more information contact Ms. Silva at 559-487-5807, TDD 559-487-5933; or Charles McNiesh, Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency, 831-722-9292.

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